Fantasy advice: Use Jerome Simpson, Brandon Jacobs, Greg Zuerlien

Back in the dark ages of the 1990s, when fantasy football matchups were scored by hand, Pierre Garcon’s touchdown against Tampa Bay during Week 4 wouldn’t have been an issue.

In the electronic age, though, when Garcon recovers a fumble in the opponent’s end zone, things get complicated. Garcon, a wide receiver for Washington, didn’t catch a touchdown pass, and he didn’t rush for a touchdown, but his name was part of the official record as having a touchdown. How should this be handled?

If I were scoring by hand, I would have given Garcon a rushing touchdown. On the CBS Sports fantasy website, however, a box entitled “Individual Fumble Recovery Touchdown” under a category called “Miscellaneous Offense” had to be checked in order for Garcon to be credited with a score.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

You know where this is headed. I’m commissioner of a CBS league, and that box was not checked. The person who started Garcon lost by 1 point, and did not receive credit for Garcon’s touchdown.

I didn’t feel comfortable telling the winner that they suddenly lost because I had to change a rule, and thankfully Garcon’s owner graciously accepted defeat. Scoring by hand never seemed so efficient.

Three up:

Jerome Simpson, WR, Minnesota: Simpson caught four passes in his first game of the season against Detroit and also drew two defensive pass interference calls. He has a great matchup against Tennessee Sunday.

Brandon Jacobs, RB, San Francisco: Remember him? Jacobs is set to return, and could be in line for goal line carries. The 49ers backfield is crowded, but short-yardage situations have been a concern.

Greg Zuerlien, K, St. Louis: If Zuerlein is available, particularly as a bye-week replacement, he is worth a look. The rookie is 12 for 12 on field goals and nailed a 60-yarder and a 58-yarder against Seattle. He is 3 for 3 on kicks of 50 yards or more.

Three down:

Matthew Stafford, QB, Detroit: With just three touchdown passes in four games, Stafford won’t be missed as he sits out on a bye.

Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, Jacksonville: You can’t expect the featured back in the league’s worst offense to produce much against a Chicago defense that allows 67 rushing yards per game.

Brandon Bolden, RB, New England: By now he is owned in every league. Do you dare start him?